What is the key difference between criminal actions and administrative actions under the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Code (TABC)?

• A. Criminal actions target businesses and may result in fines, suspensions, or permit revocation.
• B. Criminal actions target individuals and can lead to arrest; administrative actions target businesses and may result in fines, suspensions, or permit revocation.
• C. Administrative actions are always decided in a court of law.
• D. Administrative actions require a jury trial in every case.

Answer: (B)

The key distinction is who is targeted and how penalties are imposed. Criminal actions under the TABC go after individuals who violate the law and can lead to arrest and criminal penalties. Administrative actions are directed at the business that holds a license and involve regulatory penalties such as fines, suspensions, or license revocation, carried out through agency proceedings rather than a criminal court. This is why the statement about targeting individuals with arrest for criminal actions and targeting businesses with fines or license suspensions for administrative actions best captures the difference.